Withdrawal from narcotics is a severe and challenging process, and its severity is proportional to the duration of use and dosage level. Symptoms usually start within 24 hours of the last dose and can last up to three to four weeks. Withdrawal from narcotics is usually not considered life threatening, but there can be complications that are very dangerous.
Early Symptoms of Acute Withdrawal
The early symptoms of narcotic withdrawal can include drug cravings, agitation and irritability, confusion, anxiety and restlessness, rapid pulse and breathing, goose-flesh and tearing. Other symptoms may include runny nose and sweating, frequent yawning, insomnia, muscle aches and cramping and decreased or lack of appetite.
Later Symptoms of Acute Withdrawal
Later symptoms of narcotic withdrawal can include anorexia, chills and fever, nasal congestion, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, excessive sweating, enlarged pupils, tremors, weight loss and depression.
Long-Term Symptoms of Withdrawal
Long-term symptoms of withdrawal include psychological and physiological effects of habitual use. Acute symptoms of withdrawal usually disappear after a few weeks, but changes to mental and physiological function resulting from abuse can take longer to resolve. Mental and emotional symptoms can include depression, anxiety, PTSD, developmental disorders and socialization problems. A sense of despair or shame is common and can persist unless properly treated.
Physiological changes can also occur from behaviors during addiction. These can be a result of lifestyle and/or habits that accompanied the narcotic abuse. They typically include changes to digestion, circulatory system disorders, electrolyte imbalances, kidney and liver disease, hepatitis and/or other communicable diseases and physical atrophy.
A complete review by a competent physician and physiologist may be needed to fully assess the situation and develop appropriate treatments.
Follow-Up Care
The effects of addiction are often insidious and can have severe long-term consequences to physical and mental health. It is recommended that anyone going through withdrawal from narcotics follow up with a complete medical examination including psychological assessment and follow an appropriate long-term treatment plan.
